SNOWMOBILING SAFETY

Safety Tips

1. ALCOHOL AND SNOMOBILING SIMPLY DO NOT MIX.
2. Know your abilities and don't go beyond them.
3. Know your machine's capabilities and don't push beyond them.
4. Know your riding area. Get a map. Talk to local folks.
5. Keep your Machine in Top Shape.
   Before each ride, follow the "pre-op" check outlined in your owner's manual.
6. Follow the rules.
   Regulations on sled registration and use are different in fvarious parts of the snow best. Check with natural resource and law enforcement agencies and snomobile dealers or clubs in the are you're visiting to make sure your ride results in legal and hassle-free snowmobiling.
7. Safe Crossing.
   Be careful when crossing roads of any kind. Come to a complete stop and make absolutely sure no traffic is approaching from any direction. The cross at a right angle to traffic.
8. Dress Appropriately.
   Wear layers of clothing, so that you can add or remove a layer or two to match changing weathr conditions. A windproof outer layer is especially important, as are warm gloves or mitts, boots and a helmet.
9. Think Ahead.
   Many problems are avoided by using common sense. Minor problems can be overcome by carrying a useful tookl kit, spar parts, flashlight, first-aid kit and a few survival items such as high energy food, fire starting equipment and a compass.
10. Take it Easy.
    Speed is not the measure of snowmobiling fun. You should always ride at a speed in which you can stop within your line of sight. Slow down and enjoy the scenery and the experinece. Ease up on the throttle escpecially when near other machines, people, tress, animals and other objects. It's good sense - and it's the law!
11. Take a Friend.
    Don't snowmobile alone. Not only is snomobiling more fun with family and friends, it's safer too.
12. File a Plan
    "Snow Plans" describing your machine and your planned droute can be time and life savers. Leave on with your family and/or friends.
    
    Like those who file travel plans, always let your family and friends know you're back or have arrived at your destination. No one likes needless searches.
13. A Good Turn.
14. Join a Club.
15. Take Care of the Trail
    Safe Riders snowmobile to enjoy the outdoors. They treat it with respect. They wait for enough snow cover to protect vegetation. They avoid running over tress and scrubs. They appreciate but don't disturb animals or other outdoor users.
16. Take the Honorable Trail
    Beautiful trail systems and riding areas are available throughout North America. Stay safe and legal within the areas that you are permitted to ride or those for which you've obtained permission.
17. Beware of Darkness
    Low light and darkness require special care. Slow down and watch for others. Overcast days require extra caution. It is important to keep some point of reference when riding at night.
18. Beware of Water
    The safest snomobiling rule is never to cross lakes or rivers. Besides the dange of plunging through the ice, you have far less traction for starting, turning and stopping on ice than on snow.
    
    Collisions on lakes account for a significant number of accidents. Don't hold the attitude that lakes are flat, wide open ares, free of obstuctions.
19. Mountain Measures
    Mountain snowmobiling is spectacular but can pose extra dangers, such as avalnaches. Some avalanche areas may be posted and closed.
    
    Be cautious of avalanche dangers throughout mountain country. Riding in these areas should only be done after receiving proper mountain riding training. Mountain snomobiliers hould carry avalnche beacons, shovels, proble poles for locating people buried in snow and a portable radion to summon help.
20. File a Plan
    "Snow Plans" describing your machine and your planned droute can be time and life savers. Leave on with your family and/or friends.
    
    Like those who file travel plans, always let your family and friends know you're back or have arrived at your destination. No one likes needless searches.

BCSF Snowmobile Patrol

The BCSF Snowmobile Patrollers are members of snowmobile clubs who volunteer their time to help snowmobilers who ride in their club's snowmobile area.

To ride in many snowmobile areas, riders are expected to purchase an annual, short term or day riding permit.

The Powder Mountain Snowmobile and Outdoor Recreation Club have regularly scheduled patrols. Watch for the Snow Patrol in their distinctive Black and Yellow jackets.